The first motor vehicle accident that resulted in a fatality occurred 51 minutes into the new year and claimed the life of a 16-year-old Morrilton teen.

Matthew Davis was driving a 2004 Nissan Altima southbound on State Highway 9 north of Morrilton, according to an Arkansas State Police fatal crash report by Sgt. Tim Carter of Atkins. The vehicle failed to negotiate a right-hand curve, left the roadway, struck a tree and overturned. Davis was pronounced dead at the scene by Conway County Coroner Richard Neal.

Road conditions were wet when the accident occurred at 12:51 a.m. Sunday. The report indicated Davis was not wearing his seat belt. State police reported 542 fatal crashes in Arkansas in 2011.

Emergency personnel from 911 dispatch offices in Pope, Yell and Johnson counties had no incidents to report.

Couple missing

Hot Springs police are looking for a couple that hasn’t been seen in about a week.

Police said Monday that Larry Funderburg, 42, and Rita Woodall, 48, didn’t show up for their jobs on Dec. 26 and haven’t been seen since.

Fort Smith police are looking for a 24-year-old woman who disappeared after she said she was going to a party in Alma on Dec. 30.

Police said they don’t yet know whether Cassie Leigh Cotta ever showed up at the party. Police said Cotta’s mother said her daughter was intoxicated when she disappeared. According to police, Cotta left her car at her home and never reported to work the next day at Perry’s Place Bar in Fort Smith.

Friends and family posted an online video and fliers on Cotta’s Facebook page in hopes of locating the woman. Cotta is described as standing 5 foot 3 inches tall with a petite build. She has gauged ear piercings and numerous tattoos.